Tuesday, March 02, 2010

New Release

Full multi-material handling, including using different materials for outline, infill and overhang-support. This anticipates the Mendel multiple head/head changer that we're working on. It also allows you to use a single material in three different patterns for those three functions.

Full RFO File support. This allows you to load lots of items to be printed, move them about where you want, and then save the setup for future use. You can also load multiple copies of a single object with one click.

Pre-defined RFO files for a complete Mendel. These allow you to print a copy of a Mendel with minimum fuss.

Checksums in communication. The G Codes sent from the host computer to the RepRap machine down the USB now have a checksum added, and the firmware can request a resend in the case of an error.

Layer counting on builds. The software embeds layer numbers as comments in the G Code files it generates, then uses these to report build progress.

Coming soon: build to layer N; pause at the end of the current layer; start build at layer N, so you can stop a build in the middle, then resume it later.

Here is Mendel building the fourth RFO file (of six) that represents all the reprapped parts of itself. (It's not nearly as loud as it sounds; the video camera boosts sound levels when it can't hear talking...)